Anchor

ABSTRACT

An anchor comprises first, second and third flanges. A surface of the first flange facing the second flange defines a plane. A contour of the first flange projected onto the plane extending beyond a contour of the second flange projected onto the plane. A base connecting part includes the third flange and the second flange. An accessory connecting part operatively connected to the base connecting part includes the first flange. The third flange is movable relative to at least one of the first and second flanges between a first position and a second position. In the first position, a contour of the third flange projected onto the plane is contained within the contour of the second flange projected onto the plane. In the second position, the contour of the third flange projected onto the plane extends beyond the contour of the second flange projected onto the plane.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to anchors for use intransporting items on a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Many vehicles are designed to have a cargo space and/or rack upon whichdifferent items are secured for transportation. In many cases, the itemsare secured to the rack with bungee cords and tie downs that have theirends hooked into apertures of the rack itself or around the contour ofthe rack.

However, some users experience difficulties when attaching and retainingthe items to the rack. For example, the items are sometimes hard toretain with the bungee cords so they would not slide around on the rackwhile traveling over rough terrain. Other times, the hooked ends of thecord or strap are too large to pass through apertures of the rack.Furthermore, bungee cords and ties downs tend to be cumbersome to use.When not in use, they must be stored elsewhere or attached to the rack.

Using the bungee cords and tie downs with the racks can be unsatisfyingto the user. Therefore, there is a need for a system for transportingcargo items in various vehicles.

SUMMARY

It is an object to ameliorate at least some of the inconveniences of theprior art.

In a first aspect, an anchor for securing items on a base of a vehicleis provided. The base has apertures sized to receive the anchors. Theanchor is designed to be secured to the base and also to secureaccessories or items to the base. The anchor has a versatile use. Onecan use it to directly secure an accessory or item to the base, or toretain an accessory or item using the anchor itself or a connector.

Thus, as broadly embodied herein, an anchor comprises a first flange, asecond flange, and a third flange. The second flange is disposed betweenthe first flange and the third flange. A surface of the first flangefacing the second flange defines a plane. A contour of the first flangeprojected onto the plane extends beyond a contour of the second flangeprojected onto the plane. The anchor comprises a base connecting part.The base connecting part includes the third flange and the secondflange. An accessory connecting part is operatively connected to thebase connecting part. The accessory connecting part includes the firstflange; and the third flange is movable relative to at least one of thefirst and second flanges between a first position and a second position.When in the first position, a contour of the third flange projected ontothe plane is contained within the contour of the second flange projectedonto the plane. When in the second position, the contour of the thirdflange projected onto the plane extends beyond the contour of the secondflange projected onto the plane.

In an additional aspect, the anchor further comprises at least oneconnector.

In a further aspect, the third flange has a longitudinal axis. Thesecond flange has a longitudinal axis. When projected onto the plane, inthe first position, the longitudinal axis of the third flange and thelongitudinal axis of the second flange are at a first angle relative toeach other. In the second position, the longitudinal axis of the thirdflange and the longitudinal axis of the second flange are at a secondangle relative to each other, and the second angle is different from thefirst angle.

In an additional aspect, the first angle is 0 degrees and the secondangle is 90 degrees.

In a further aspect, a recess is disposed between the first flange andthe second flange, and a seal disposed in the recess.

In an additional aspect, a lever is connected to the third flange formoving the third flange between the first position and the secondposition.

In a further aspect, a pair of tabs extends from the second flangetoward the third flange. A contour of the pair of tabs projected ontothe plane is contained within the contour of the second flange projectedonto the plane.

In an additional aspect, the second flange includes a chamfer.

In a further aspect, the contour of the third flange projected onto theplane has a first shape. The second flange has a first part and a secondpart. The first part of the second flange is disposed between the firstflange and the second part of the second flange. A contour of the secondpart of the second flange projected onto the plane has the first shape.A contour of the first part of the second flange projected onto theplane has a second shape.

In an additional aspect, the first shape and the second shape are a sameshape.

In a further aspect, the first and second shapes are irregular polygons.

In an additional aspect, the first and second shapes are irregularhexagons.

In a further aspect, the first shape is an irregular hexagon and thesecond shape is an irregular pentagon.

In an additional aspect, the at least one connector includes anaperture.

In a further aspect, the anchor further comprises a case. A latch isoperatively connected to the case. The latch comprises the third flange.A lever is connected to the latch for moving the third flange betweenthe first position and the second position.

In an additional aspect, a biasing mechanism biases the third flangetoward the second part of the second flange.

In a further aspect, the biasing mechanism includes a plurality ofspring washers.

In an additional aspect, the third flange includes a pair of cams, andeach of the pair of cams has a ramp surface.

In a further aspect, the anchor further comprises a flat side. The firstflange is disposed between the flat side and the second flange.

In an additional aspect, the case comprises a first cavity and the latchhas a longitudinal extending bore. A stem retains the latch to the case.The stem has a T-top. The stem extends through the longitudinalextending bore of the latch. The T-top of the stem is disposed in thefirst cavity. An under surface of the T-top of the stem is connected toa top of the latch by a C-clip.

In a further aspect, the case comprises a second cavity. The secondcavity is connected to the second cavity. The second cavity receivespartially the lever.

The term ‘brim’ refers to external surface(s) adjacent to an edge of anaperture.

The term ‘rim’ refers to internal surface(s) of an aperture adjacent tothe edge(s) of the aperture.

The term ‘contour’ refers to a shape of an element formed by its sidesand edges. It should be understood that the shape of an element isindependent of its size. Elements may have the same shape but havedifferent size (for example two round holes of different diameters).

The term ‘flange’ refers to an outwardly extending portion. Steps andlips are two examples of flanges.

The term ‘recess’ refers to an inwardly extending portion. For example,two adjacent flanges form a recess therebetween. In another example, aninwardly extending portion of an otherwise flat member forms a recess.

Also, terms related to spatial orientation such as forwardly,rearwardly, left, and right, are as they would normally be understood bya driver of the vehicle sitting thereon in a normal riding position.

Embodiments of the present invention each have at least one of theabove-mentioned aspects, but do not necessarily have all of them.

Additional and/or alternative features, aspects, and advantages ofembodiments of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description, the accompanying drawings, and the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, as well as otheraspects and further features thereof, reference is made to the followingdescription which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, where:

FIG. 1 is a top view of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) with front and rearracks according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a personal watercraft with a rack according to asecond embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a snowmobile with a rack according to a thirdembodiment;

FIG. 4A is a perspective exploded view, taken from a front, left side,of the rear rack of the ATV of FIG. 1 with a plurality of anchors and anaccessory;

FIG. 4B is a close-up of an aperture of the rack of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 is a partial view of the rack of FIG. 4A with an item retained bya connector hooked to an anchor;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of one of the anchors of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of one of the anchors of FIG. 4A in alocked position, and in an unlocked position shown in phantom;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the anchor taken along the line 8-8of FIG. 7, with the anchor shown secured on the accessory and the rackof FIG. 4A;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one of the anchors of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of one of theanchors of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the anchor of FIG. 10 shown connectedto the accessory of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the rack of FIG. 4A with one ofthe anchors shown in the unlocked position; and

FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of the rack of FIG. 4A with one of theanchors shown in the locked position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning to FIG. 1, the general construction of an all-terrain vehicle(ATV) 100 will be described. It should be understood that the ATV 100could be another type of off-road vehicle, such as recreational utilityvehicles, side-by-side off-road vehicles, or turf vehicles.

The ATV 100 includes a frame (not shown) to which is mounted a body 113and an internal combustion engine (not shown) for powering the vehicle.Four wheels 114 are connected to the frame. The four wheels 114 havelow-pressure balloon tires 115 adapted for off-road conditions andtraversing rugged terrain. The two front wheels 114 are suspended fromthe frame by respective front suspension assemblies (e.g. double A-armsuspension systems) (not shown) while the two rear wheels 114 aresuspended from the frame by respective rear suspension assemblies (e.g.,rigid swing arm suspension systems) (not shown).

The ATV 100 further includes a straddle seat 118 mounted to the framefor supporting a driver. It is contemplated that the seat 118 could beconfigured to also accommodate a passenger.

The ATV 100 further includes a steering mechanism which is rotationallysupported by the frame to enable a driver to steer the vehicle. Thesteering mechanism includes a handlebar 116 connected to a steeringcolumn (not shown) for actuating steering linkages connected to left andright front wheels 114.

The engine is a 4-cycle single overhead cam engine. As will be readilyappreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, other types andconfigurations of internal combustion engines can be used in the ATV100. The cylinders house reciprocating pistons connected to a crankshaftas is also well known in the art. The crankshaft of the engine iscoupled to a drivetrain which delivers torque to the rear wheels 114,providing at least two-wheel-drive (2WD), and optionally also deliverstorque to the front wheels 114 for four-wheel-drive (4WD) traction.

The ATV 100 has other features and components such as headlights andhandles. As it is believed that these features and components would bereadily recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, furtherexplanation and description of these components will not be providedherein.

The ATV 100 includes a rack 500 at a rear, and a pair of front racks501. The racks 500, 501 are areas where cargo items or accessories areto be secured. It is contemplated that the ATV 100 could have a rearplatform, and have the rack 500 be connected to that rear platform. Itis contemplated that the ATV 100 could have none, only one or more thantwo front racks 501, and could have more than one rack 500. The racks500, 501 have a plurality of rack apertures 550. The rack apertures 550are used in conjunction with anchors 400 (shown in detail in FIGS. 6 to9) to secure the cargo items or accessories at various locations on theracks 500, 501. The racks 500, 501, the anchors 400 and the differentaccessories will be described in greater detail below.

Turning to FIG. 2, the general construction of a personal watercraft 200will be described. It should be understood that the personal watercraft200 could be another type of watercraft, and could have a constructionother than the one described.

The watercraft 200 is made of a hull 204, a sub-deck 206, and a deck208. The hull 204 and sub-deck 206 are joined together, preferably by anadhesive, to form a hull and sub-deck (HSD) assembly. Rivets or otherfasteners may also join the hull 204 and sub-deck 206. A bumper 211generally covers the joint between the hull 204 and the sub-deck 206.The volume created between the hull 204 and the sub-deck 206 is known asthe engine compartment. The engine compartment accommodates an engine(not shown) as well as the muffler, exhaust pipe, gas tank, electricalsystem (including for example a battery and an electronic control unit),air box, storage bins (not shown) and other elements required by ordesired for the watercraft 200. The deck 208 is designed to accommodatea driver and a passenger. The deck 208 is suspended on the HSD assemblyby a rear suspension member in the form of a rear suspension arm 207 anda front suspension assembly (not shown). It is contemplated that thedeck 208 could be fixedly connected to the HSD assembly. It is alsocontemplated that the sub-deck 206 could be omitted and that the deck208 could be connected directly to the hull 204.

The hull 204 is provided with a combination of strakes (not shown) andchines (not shown). A strake is a protruding portion of the hull 204. Achine is the vertex formed where two surfaces of the hull 204 meet. Itis this combination of strakes and chines that will give, at least inpart, the watercraft 200 its riding and handling characteristics.

Sponsons 222 are located on either side of the hull 204 near the transom224. The sponsons 222 have an arcuate undersurface, which give thewatercraft 200 both lift while in motion and improved turningcharacteristics.

A jet propulsion system 226, as known in the art, is connected to thehull 204. The jet propulsion system 226 pressurizes water to createthrust. From an intake ramp, water then enters a jet pump unit (notshown). The jet pump unit is located in what is known as the tunnel 236.The tunnel 236 is opened towards the rear, and is defined at the front,sides and top by the hull 204, and at the bottom by a ride plate 238.The ride plate 238 is the surface on which the watercraft 200 rides orplanes. The jet pump unit includes an impeller and a stator (not shown)enclosed in a cylindrical housing. The impeller is coupled to the engineby one or more shafts (not shown), such as a driveshaft and an impellershaft. The rotation of the impeller pressurizes the water, which thenmoves over the stator that is made of a plurality of fixed stator blades(not shown). Once the water leaves the jet pump, it goes through aventuri (not shown). Since the venturi's exit diameter is smaller thanits entrance diameter, the water is accelerated further, therebyproviding more thrust. A steering nozzle 244 is pivotally attached tothe venturi so as to pivot about a vertical axis (not shown). Thesteering nozzle 244 could also be supported in other ways without adirect connection to the venturi. The steering nozzle 244 is operativelyconnected to the helm assembly 246 such that when the helm assembly 246is turned, the steering nozzle 244 pivots. This movement redirects thepressurized water coming from the venturi, so as to redirect the thrustand steer the watercraft 200 in the desired direction. A reverse gate248 is pivotally attached to the sidewalls of the tunnel 236. It iscontemplated that the reverse gate 248 could alternatively be pivotallyattached to the venturi or the steering nozzle 244. The reverse gate 248is operatively connected to an electric motor (not shown) and the driverof the watercraft can control the position of the reverse gate 248 bypulling lever 250 located on the left side of the helm assembly 246which is in electrical communication with the electric motor. It iscontemplated that the reverse gate 248 could alternatively bemechanically connected to a reverse handle to be pulled by the driver.To make the watercraft 200 move in a reverse direction, the reverse gate248 is pivoted in front of the steering nozzle 244 and redirects thewater leaving the jet propulsion system 226 towards the front of thewatercraft 200, thereby thrusting the watercraft 200 rearwardly.

The deck 208 has a centrally positioned straddle seat 217 placed on topof a pedestal 210 to accommodate the driver and the passenger in astraddling position. A grab handle 212 is provided between the pedestal210 and the straddle-type seat 108 at the rear of the straddle seat 217to provide a handle onto which a passenger may hold on. The straddleseat 217 has a first seat portion 214 to accommodate the driver andsecond seat portion 216 to accommodate the passenger. The straddle seat217 is pivotally connected to the pedestal 210 at the front thereof by asystem of linkages and is connected at the rear thereof by a latchassembly (not shown). The straddle seat 217 selectively covers anopening (not shown), defined by a top portion of the pedestal 210, whichprovides access to the air intake unit, which once removed, providesaccess to the upper portion of the engine.

Located on either side of the pedestal 210, between the pedestal 210 andgunnels 256 of the sub-deck 206, are a pair of generally horizontalfootrests 218 designed to accommodate the driver's and passenger' feet.A seal 220 is disposed between each footrest 218 and its correspondinggunnel 256 on the sub-deck 206. Since an upper end of the side channelsis wider than a lower end of the side channels, the seals are preferablymade of a flexible material, such as rubber, that can compress andexpand to follow the inner side of the gunnels 256 as the HSD assemblymoves relative to the deck 208. The footrests 218 are preferably coveredby carpeting made of a rubber-type material.

The helm assembly 246 is positioned forwardly of the straddle-type seat217. As previously mentioned, the helm assembly 246 is used to turn thesteering nozzle 244, and therefore the watercraft 200. The helm assembly246 has a central helm portion 222 that may be padded, and a pair ofsteering handles 224. The right steering handle 224 is provided with athrottle lever 226 allowing the driver to control the speed of thewatercraft 200. The left steering handle is provided with the lever 250to control the position of the reverse gate 248, as previouslymentioned. The central helm portion 222 has buttons 228 that allow thedriver to modify what is displayed (such as speed, engine rpm, and time)on the display cluster 230 located forwardly of the helm assembly 246.Additional buttons 232 are provided on the helm portion 222 to allow thedriver to adjust the force absorption characteristics of the suspensionelements. The helm assembly 246 may be pivotable about a horizontal axisto allow the height of the helm assembly 246 to be adjusted to suit thedriver's preference. The display cluster 230 also may move about thehorizontal axis with the helm assembly 246.

The deck 208 is provided with a hood 235 located forwardly of the helmassembly 246. A hinge (not shown) is attached between a forward portionof the hood 235 and the deck 208 to allow the hood 235 to move to anopened position to provide access to a front storage bin (not shown). Alatch (not shown) located at a rearward portion of the hood 235 locksthe hood 235 into a closed position. When in the closed position, hood235 prevents access to the front storage bin. Rearview mirrors 237 arepositioned on either side of the hood 235 to allow the driver to seebehind the watercraft 200 while driving.

The watercraft 200 has other features and components which would bereadily recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, furtherexplanation and description of these components will not be providedherein.

A rack 500′ is connected on the rear portion 290 of the sub-deck 206.The rack 500′ is similar to the racks 500, 501. Details of the rack 500′will be described below with respect to the rack 500.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the general construction of a snowmobile 300will be described. It should be understood that the snowmobile 300 couldbe another type of snowmobile, and could have a construction other thanthe one described.

The snowmobile 300 has a front end 302 and a rear end 304, which aredefined consistently with the forward travel direction of the vehicle.The snowmobile 300 includes a chassis 306 which includes a tunnel (notshown), an engine cradle portion (not shown), and a front suspensionassembly portion 312. An engine (not shown) is carried by the enginecradle portion of the chassis 306. A ski and steering assembly isprovided, in which two skis 316 (left and right) are positioned at thefront end 302 of the snowmobile 300, and are attached to the frontsuspension assembly portion of the chassis 306 through the frontsuspension assembly 312. The front suspension assembly 312 includes skilegs, supporting arms and ball joints for operatively joining therespective ski legs, supporting arms and a steering column. The steeringcolumn at its upper end is attached to a steering device, a handlebar326 which is positioned forward of a rider and behind the engine torotate the ski legs and thus the skis 316, in order to steer thevehicle.

An endless drive track (not shown) is positioned at the rear end 304 ofthe snowmobile 300 and is disposed under the tunnel. The endless drivetrack is operatively connected to the engine through a belt transmissionsystem (not shown). Thus, the endless drive track is driven to run abouta rear suspension assembly (not shown) for propulsion of the snowmobile300. The endless drive track is engaged with and driven by a drivesprocket (not shown) which is journaled by the tunnel and is driven bythe engine through the belt transmission system. The endless drive trackis suspended for movement relative to the chassis 306, by the rearsuspension assembly. The rear suspension assembly includes a slide frameassembly (not shown) which primarily includes a pair of spaced apartslide rails (not shown) that engage the inner side of theground-engaging portion of the endless drive track. The slide frameassembly journals a plurality of backup rollers (not shown) and fouridler rollers (not shown). In addition, further rollers are carried bythe tunnel, in order to define the path over which the endless drivetrack travels.

At the front end 302 of the snowmobile 300, there are provided fairings334 that enclose the engine and the belt transmission system, therebyproviding an external shell that not only protects the engine and thebelt transmission system, but can also be decorated to make thesnowmobile 300 more aesthetically pleasing. The fairings 334 include ahood and one or more side panels which are all openable to allow accessto the engine and the belt transmission system when this is required,for example for inspection or maintenance of the engine and/or the belttransmission system. A windshield 336 is connected to the fairings nearthe front end 302 of the snowmobile 300, or may be attached directly tothe handlebar 326. The windshield 336 acts as a windscreen to lessen theforce of the air on the rider while the snowmobile 300 is moving.

A seat 338 extends from near the rear end 304 of the snowmobile 300 tonear the handlebar 326. A rear portion of the seat 338 may include astorage compartment, or may be used to accept a passenger seat. Two footrests 340 are positioned on opposed sides of the snowmobile 300 belowthe seat 338 to accommodate the rider's feet.

The snowmobile 300 has other features and components which would bereadily recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, furtherexplanation and description of these components will not be providedherein.

A rack 500″ is connected to the rear 304 of the snowmobile 300. The rack500″ is similar to the racks 500, 501. Details of the rack 500″ will bedescribed below with respect to the rack 500.

Turning now to FIGS. 4A, 4B and 5, the rack 500 will be described ingreater detail. The rack 500 is a generally flat surface having theplurality of rack apertures 550. Although the rack 500 is shown as aflat surface with a plurality of rack apertures 550, it is contemplatedthat the rack 500 could not be flat and could have only one rackaperture 550. For example, the rack 500 could be as simple as a C-shapedextruded rod with an aperture between ends of the C forming the rackaperture 550. The rack 500 is made of plastic. It is contemplated thatthe rack 500 could be made of a material other than plastic.

As best seen in FIG. 4B, each of the rack apertures 550 has a rim 552and an upper brim 553 (a lower brim not being shown). The rim 552 is aninside surface of the rack aperture 550 between the upper brim 553 andthe lower brim. The upper brim 553 is the upper lateral surface of therack aperture 550. The upper brim 553 is chamfered. The rack apertures550 have an irregular hexagonal shape. As will be described in greaterdetails below, the rim 552 and brims (upper brim 553 and lower brim) arecongruent with a part (rack receiving part) of the anchor 400. It iscontemplated that the rack apertures 550 could have a shape differentfrom hexagonal. It is contemplated that the rack apertures 550 could bea regular polygon. It is contemplated that the brim 553 could not bechamfered. It is also contemplated that the rack apertures 550 could notbe congruent with the anchors 400, as long as the rack apertures 550allow the anchors 400 to be inserted therein, and the anchor 400 canbrace the rack aperture 550, as will be described below. It iscontemplated that the rim 552 and the upper brim 553 could have a shapedifferent from each other.

As best seen in FIG. 4A, the rack 500 also has a plurality of apertures549. The apertures 549 are larger than the rack apertures 550 and aredesigned to reduce the weight of the rack 500. It is contemplated thatthe apertures 549 could be smaller than the rack apertures 550. It isalso contemplated that the apertures 549 could be omitted.

Also seen in FIG. 4A, the rack 500 has, on a top face, a plurality ofpads 556 for providing friction with the accessories or items to besecured on the rack 500. The pads 556 are made of neoprene. It iscontemplated that the pads 556 could be omitted. It is also contemplatedthat the pads 556 could be made of a different material.

As best seen in FIGS. 12 and 13, a bottom face of the rack 500 also hasa plurality of ribs 548. The plurality of ribs 548 adds strength to therack 500 without adding too much weight. Some of the ribs 548 aredisposed around the rack apertures 550. These ribs 548 provide slidingsurfaces during locking of the anchors 400, as will be described below.It is contemplated that the ribs 548 could be omitted.

It is contemplated that the rack 500 could have a different orientationand still be used for securing to items or accessories. For example, therack 500 could be positioned vertically or at an angle.

The racks 501, 500′, 500″ have a similar construction.

As best seen in FIG. 4A, a holder 600 is removably connected to the topface of the rack 500 via two of the anchors 400 (only one being shown)securing two opposite sides of the holder 600. As will be describedbelow, the anchors 400 are movable by a user between a locked position(shown in FIG. 13) where the anchors 400 are secured on the rack 500 andto the holder 600, and an unlocked position (shown in FIG. 12) where theanchors 400 are not secured to the rack 500 nor the holder 600. As willbe described below, it is contemplated that the anchor 400 can also besecured to the rack 500, without securing to the holder 600 via the brim605 of the aperture 603.

The holder 600 is one example of an accessory that can be secured to therack 500 via the anchors 400. Other contemplated accessories are bags,vessels, gun racks, etc. The accessories have features designed tooperate with the anchors 400 and the rack 500.

The holder 600 has a holder body 601 and two outwardly extendingabutment tabs 602 (only one being shown). An aperture 603 is located ineach abutment tab 602. The abutment tabs 602 and the aperture 603 aredesigned to cooperate with the anchors 400 and the rack aperture 550. Itis contemplated that the aperture 603 could be located on the holderbody 601. It is also contemplated that the aperture 603 could be omittedfrom the abutment tab 602. It is contemplated that one or more than twoabutment tabs 602 and apertures 603 could be used to secure the holder600. It is also contemplated that the abutment tabs 602 could be formedby a recess in the holder body 601. As seen from a top, the aperture 603has an irregular pentagonal shape. The aperture 603 is congruent with anaccessory receiving part (described below) of the anchor 400. It iscontemplated that the aperture 603 could not be congruent with theanchor 400, as long as the aperture 603 allows the anchor 400 to beinserted partially therein, and allows the anchor 400 to rest on theabutment tab 602 once inserted. The aperture 603 has a rim 604 and anupper brim 605 (a lower brim of the aperture 603 not being shown). Theupper brim 605 is flat. It is contemplated that the brim 605 could bechamfered. It is also contemplated that the aperture 603 could not bepentagonal. It is contemplated that in cases where the holder 600 doesnot comprise an aperture 603 to receive the anchor 400, that theaccessory receiving part of the anchor 400 would connect to the abutmenttab 602 itself for securing the holder 600 to the rack 500.

As best seen in FIG. 5, the anchors 400 can also be used to connect to abungee cord 610 for retaining a box 612 onto the rack 500. The box 612is one example of an item that could be retained by the anchors 400 withthe bungee cord 610. Other accessories or items could be food coolers,chain saws, hunting equipment etc. The box 612 is not designed tocooperate with the anchors 400 (although it may be). The bungee cord 610is one example of connectors that can be used with the anchors 400 toretain the box 612 to the rack 500. Other connectors could be tie downs,etc. In the configuration of FIG. 5 (which will be described in greaterdetails below), the anchors 400 are conveniently positioned so as toprovide a hooking point for the bungee cord 610 in proximity of the box612. Since the box 612 is not designed to cooperate with the anchors400, the anchors 400 are not to be inserted in any aperture of box 612.The anchors 400 are further conveniently positioned so as to provide anabutment wall for the box 612. It is contemplated that the anchor 400could not provide an abutment wall for the box 612. It is contemplatedthat the anchors 400 could be used to provide an abutment wall and notbe used in conjunction with the bungee cord 612.

Turning now to FIGS. 6 to 11, embodiments of the anchor 400 for the rack500 will be described. Although the anchor 400 is described inconjunction with the rack 500, it is contemplated that the anchor 400could also be used in conjunction with the racks 501, 500′ and 500″.

The anchor 400 has a case 402 and a latch 404 rotatably mounted to thecase 402. The case 402 is made of metal and the latch 404 is made ofplastic. It is contemplated that the case 402 and the latch 404 could bemade of a same material. It is also contemplated that the case 402 andthe latch 404 could be made of materials different from metal andplastic, respectively. The latch 404 is connected to the case 402 by astem 406 extending through the latch 404. The stem 406 is made of metal.It is contemplated that the stem 406 could be made of a differentmaterial. The stem 406 has a T-shaped top 407 abutting against a lowerwall 411 (shown in FIG. 8) of a cavity 413 (shown in FIG. 8) in the case402. A C-clip 417 (shown in FIG. 8) is disposed between the T-top 407 ofthe stem 406 and the lower wall 411 of the case 402 to retain the stem406 in the case 402. Four spring washers 408 are disposed toward abottom 409 of the stem 406. The spring washers 408 bias the latch 404upwards towards the case 402. A C-clip 410 is mounted into a recess 415(shown in FIG. 6) in the stem 406. The C-clip 410 prevents the springwashers 408 and the latch 404 from sliding off the stem 406. Stem 406and C-clip 417 are connected to case 402 prior to sliding latch 404 overthe bottom end of the stem 406 and securing it to the stem C-springwashers 408 and C-clip 410. It is contemplated that a different numberof spring washers 408 could be used. It is also contemplated that abiasing mechanism other than the spring washers 408 could be used forbiasing the latch 404 toward the case 402. For example, one or more coilsprings or a resilient member could be used.

The latch 404 is operated by a lever 414. The lever 414 is made of asame plastic as the latch 404. It is contemplated that the lever 414could be made of a different material. It is also contemplated that thelever 414 could be replaced by another actuation mechanism. For examplethe lever 414 could be a button. It is also contemplated that the lever414 could be omitted. In such a case, the case 402 and the latch 404could be connected such that the latch 404 would be turned by turningthe case 402 itself. It is also contemplated that, in such a case, theanchor 400 could also include a spring loaded mechanism. As best seen inFIG. 6, a top of the latch 404 has a splined end 410 congruent withsplines 412 of the lever 414. A top 443 of the splined end 410 has twonotches 445. The two notches 445 accept a pin (not shown) on the case402, and provide an indication that the anchor 400 is in the lockedposition or in the unlocked position, and that the user has fullyrotated the lever 414 so as to not apply unnecessary force to the lever414 for locking the anchor 400. The lever 414 can rotate by aquarter-turn between a first position (shown in phantom in FIG. 7) wherethe anchor 400 is unlocked and a second position (shown in solid in FIG.7) where the anchor is locked. Rotation of the lever 414 is illustratedby arrow 421 in FIG. 7. Rotating the lever 414 forces the latch 404 torotate and lock/unlock the anchor 400 as will be described in greaterdetails below. It is contemplated that the lever 414 could rotate bymore or less than a quarter-turn.

As best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the case 402 has an upper flange 432 anda middle flange 434. The upper flange 432 and the middle flange 434extend outwardly from an entire external surface of a cross-section ofthe case 402. It is contemplated that the upper flange 432 and themiddle flange 434 could be disposed only on a portion of the externalsurface of the cross-section of the case 402.

A bottom surface of the upper flange 432 defines a horizontal plane 471(shown in FIGS. 6-8). When the anchor 400 is inserted into the aperture603 of the holder 600, a contour of the upper flange 432, projected ontothe horizontal plane 471, extends beyond a contour of the aperture 603(formed by the rim 604), and a contour of the middle flange 434 iscontained within the contour of the aperture 603. Because the contour ofthe middle flange 434 is contained within the contour of the aperture603, the middle flange 434 can be inserted into the aperture 603 withoutabutting against it. Furthermore, because the contour of the upperflange 432 extends beyond the contour of the aperture 603, when insertedinto the aperture 603, the anchor 400 is prevented by the upper flange432 from sliding upwards. As will be described below, the upper flange432 constitutes an element of the accessory connecting part for securingthe holder 600 to the rack 500, and the middle flange 434 constitutes anelement of the rack connecting part for securing the anchor 400 to therack 500.

The middle flange 434 has an upper part 435 and a lower part 436. Theupper part 435 is a vertical wall having a thickness about the same as athickness of the pads 556 of the rack 500. A recess 430, describedbelow, is formed by and between the upper flange 432 and the upper part435 of the middle flange 434.

As best seen in FIG. 9, in a first embodiment of the upper part 435,when the anchor 400 is inserted into the aperture 603 and the rackaperture 550 and when projected onto the horizontal plane 471, a contourof the upper part 435 is pentagonal and congruent with the pentagonalshape of the aperture 603. The pentagonal shape allows to position theanchor 400 in only one orientation with respect to the holder 600. Forexample, in some cases, it is preferred that the anchor 400 bepositioned with the lever 414 away from the holder 600, in order toaccess and operate the lever 414. Thus, the pentagon shape of the upperpart 435 allows to position the anchor 400 in the aperture 603 with thelever 414 disposed away from the holder 600. It is contemplated that theupper part 435 of the middle flange 434 could be of a different shape.It is contemplated that, the upper part 435 of the middle flange 434could have an irregular hexagonal contour. It is contemplated that, theupper part 435 could not be congruent with the aperture 603. It is alsocontemplated that, the upper part 435 could be a vertical wall having ahexagonal contour congruent with the rack aperture 550.

As seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, in a second embodiment, the upper part 435′extends between the lower part 436 and the upper flange 432. No recess430 is present between the upper flange 432 and the middle flange 434.The upper part 435′ is similar to the upper part 435, but has a pair ofslots 433. The slots 433 are disposed on opposite sides of the upperpart 435′. The slots 433 each extend on a portion of the contour of theupper part 435′, and on a portion of a height of the upper part 435′.Portions of the upper flange 432 and the upper part 435′ disposed aboveand below, respectively, the slots 433 are generally triangular. Theslots 433 provide an indentation extending at an angle of about 5degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis 473. This indentationallows to brace the upper brim 605 of the aperture 603 by friction fitbetween the upper flange 432 and portions of the upper part 435′ wherethe slots 433 are located. To ensure friction fit, the user rotates theanchor 400 relative to the holder 600 (shown in FIG. 11 with arrows419). By doing so, the user can connect the anchor 400 to the holder 600before inserting the anchor 400 in the rack aperture 550, as will bedescribed below. It is contemplated that only one or more than two slots433 could be used. It is also contemplated that the slots 433 couldextend along the entire thickness of the upper part 435′. It is alsocontemplated that the slots 433 could extend along the entire contour ofthe upper part 435′. It is contemplated that, the slots 433 couldprovide an indentation at an angle of between 0 and about 10 degrees. Itis contemplated that, a long side of the pentagonal contour of the upperpart 435′ could have a slight apex, thus forming a slightly irregularpentagonal upper part 435′. The slightly irregular pentagonal shape canbe used to facilitate rotation of the anchor 400 with respect to theholder 600 when connecting the anchor 400 to the holder 600.

Turning back to FIGS. 6 to 9, the lower part 436 of the middle flange434 is congruent with the rack aperture 550. When the anchor 400 isinserted into the rack aperture 550, a contour of the lower part 436,projected onto the horizontal plane 471, is contained within the contourof the upper part 435. The contour of the lower part 436 is hexagonaland congruent with a contour of the rack aperture 550. The lower part436 is chamfered, and the chamfer is congruent with the chamfered upperbrim 553 of the rack aperture 550. It is contemplated that the chamferedlower part 436 could be omitted. It is also contemplated that the lowerpart 436 could be different from chamfered. The lower part 436 is thepart of the middle flange 434 that constitutes an element of the rackconnecting part.

The recess 430 is formed by and between the upper flange 432 and themiddle flange 434. When projected onto the horizontal plane 471, acontour of the recess 430 is pentagonal, and congruent with thepentagonal shape of the aperture 603. It is contemplated that the recess430 could have a shape different from a congruent shape with theaperture 603. The recess 430 receives a seal 431 (shown in FIG. 8). Theseal 431 creates a friction fit between the anchor 400 and the holder600. In the case where the aperture 603 is located on the holder body601, the seal 431 also prevents dirt from entering into the holder 600.When installing the holder 600 or whenever the holder 600 is not used,the seal 431 keeps the anchor 400 temporarily positioned with the holder600. The seal 431 has a pentagonal shape 431, congruent with the shapeof the recess 430. The seal 431 is made of rubber. It is alsocontemplated that the seal 431 could be made of any resilient material.It is contemplated that the seal 431 could cover only a portion of therecess 430. It is contemplated that the seal 431 could be watertight. Itis also contemplated that the seal 431 could be omitted.

A pair of tabs 403 (shown best in FIGS. 6 and 7) extends downwardlyvertically from the lower part 436 of the middle flange 434. It iscontemplated that the pair of tabs 403 could extend downwardly andinwardly from the lower part 436 of the middle flange 434. When theanchor 400 is inserted into the aperture 603 of the holder 600 and intothe rack aperture 550, a contour of the tabs 403, projected onto thehorizontal plane 471, is contained within the contours of the rackaperture 550 and the aperture 603. Thus, when the anchor 400 is insertedin the rack aperture 550, the tabs 403 are disposed by the rim 552 ofthe rack aperture 550. It is contemplated that the tabs 403 could abutthe rim 552 of the rack aperture 550 when inserted therein. A shape ofthe tabs 403 is congruent with the hexagonal shape of the rack apertures550. The tabs 403 have an irregular hexagonal shape. The tabs 403 have alongitudinal direction along the longitudinal axis 473 (shared with themiddle flange 434). The tabs 403 have a thickness which is smaller thana thickness of the rack 500. The tabs 403 can provide guidance to insertthe anchor 400 in the rack aperture 550, as well as additional strengthto the connection between the anchor 400 and the rack 500. It iscontemplated that the tabs 403 could have a shape different from ahexagon. It is also contemplated that one or both tabs 403 could beomitted. It is contemplated that more than two tabs 403 could extendfrom the middle flange 434.

Two connectors 450 (shown in FIG. 6) are disposed on opposite sides ofthe case 402, and a connector 451 is disposed on top of the case 402between the two connectors 450. The two connectors 450 are triangularapertures, and the connector 451 is a generally trapezoidal aperture.When desired, the connectors 450, 451 can be used to hook the bungeecord 610 to the anchor 400, as described above with respect to FIG. 5.It is contemplated that the case 402 could have no, only one, or morethan two connectors 450, and no or more than one connector 451. It iscontemplated that the connectors 450, 451 could be disposed at differentlocations on the case 402. It is contemplated that the connectors 450,451 could have different shapes. It is also contemplated that theconnectors 450, 451 could be designed differently. For example theconnectors 450, 451 could be hooks.

A vertical wall 452 (shown in FIG. 8) is disposed on one side of thecase 402. When desired, the vertical wall 452 can be used as an abutmentwall to the box 612, as described above with respect to FIG. 5. It iscontemplated that the case 402 could have no or more than one verticalwall 452. It is contemplated that the wall 452 could not be vertical.

The latch 404 will now be described. The latch 404 has a cylindricallatch body 441 and a pair of cams 442 extending outwardly from an end ofthe latch body 441 opposite to the splined end 410. The pair of cams 442constitutes another element of the rack connecting part. It iscontemplated that the latch body 441 could have a shape different fromcylindrical. It is contemplated that one or more than two cams 442 couldbe connected to the latch body 441 depending on a shape of the rackaperture 550. The pair of cams 442 constitutes a lower flange of theanchor 400. When the anchor 400 is inserted into the rack aperture 550and when projected onto the horizontal plane 471, the pair of cams 442(mounted on the latch 404) has a hexagonal shape that is congruent withthe rack aperture 550. The hexagon is irregular and has a longitudinaldirection along a longitudinal axis 475 (shown in FIGS. 6 and 7).

The pair of cams 442 is rotatable via the lever 414 between a firstposition and a second position. Rotation of the cams 442 is illustratedby arrow 420 in FIGS. 7 and 13. In the first position (shown in FIG. 7in dotted lines, and in FIG. 12), the anchor 400 is unlocked (i.e. freefrom the rack 500 and the holder 600), and the pair of cams 442 has asame orientation as the tabs 403. As shown in FIG. 12, in the firstposition, the longitudinal axes 473 and 475 of the middle flange 434 andcams 442, respectively, are aligned and form an angle of 0 degrees withrespect to each other. When projected onto the horizontal plane 471, inthe first position, a hexagonal contour of the cams 442 is containedwithin the pentagonal contour of the aperture 603 and the hexagonalcontour of the rack aperture 550. When in the first position, the cams442 are insertable through the aperture 603 and the rack aperture 550 toposition the anchor 400 on the rack 500. It is contemplated that, in thefirst position, the longitudinal axes 473 and 475 could not be alignedwith each other and could be at an angle with each other different from0, as long as when projected onto the horizontal plane 471, thehexagonal contour of the cams 442 is contained within the hexagonalcontour of the rack aperture 550 for inserting the cams 442 into therack aperture 550.

In the second position (as shown in FIG. 7 in solid lines, and FIG. 13),the anchor 400 is locked, and the pair of cams 442 is positionedperpendicular to the tabs 403. As shown in FIG. 13, in the secondposition, the longitudinal axes 473 and 475 are perpendicular to eachother and form an angle of 90 degrees with respect to each other. It iscontemplated that the longitudinal axes 473, 475 could form an angleother than 90 degrees. When projected onto the horizontal plane 471, inthe second position, the hexagonal contour of the cams 442 extendsbeyond the hexagonal contour of the rack aperture 550. When inserted inthe rack aperture 550 and in the second position, the anchor 400 issecured to the rack 500 and the pair of cams 442 and the middle flange434 brace the rack aperture 550 (rack connecting part). As will bedescribed below, if the anchor 400 is inserted both in the aperture 603and the rack aperture 550, in the second position, the middle flange 434and the cams 442 brace the holder 600 against the rack 500 (accessoryconnecting part), thus securing the holder 600 to the rack 500.

Each of the cams 442 has a cam surface 444 (shown in FIG. 6) whichslides against the ribs 548 of the rack 500 when the cams 442 arerotated between the first and the second position by the lever 414. Thecam surface 444 includes an inclined surface 447. The inclined surface447 is a ramp used in conjunction with the spring washers 408 to biasthe cam 442 upward toward the middle flange 434.

The anchor 400 can be used in several ways. In a first example, the userdesires to retain an item (e.g. box 612) onto the rack 500 using thebungee cord 610, similar to what is shown in FIG. 5. To do so, the usergrabs an anchor 400 and selects a rack aperture 550 in function of whereand how he/she desires to retain the accessory box 612. If not alreadydone, the user moves the anchor 400 to the unlocked position (cams 442in the first position) by rotating the lever 414 by a quarter-turnclockwise until the lever 414 extends beyond the case 402. The latchbody 441 then moves by a quarter-turn from a position where the cams 442are perpendicular to the tabs 403 (cams 442 in the second position), toa position where the cams 442 are in a same direction as the tabs 403(cams 442 in the first position). Once the anchor 400 is in the unlockedposition, the user positions the anchor 400 in the rack aperture 550.The lower part 436 of the middle flange 434 abuts against the upper brim553 of the rack aperture 550. Once in place, the user moves the lever414 by quarter-turn counter clockwise for locking the anchor 400 to therack 500. By moving the lever 414, the latch body 441 moves by aquarter-turn from the position where the cams 442 had the sameorientation as the middle flange 434 (cams 442 in the first position),to the position where the cams 442 are perpendicular to the middleflange 434 (cams 442 in the second position). During this motion, theinclined surfaces 447 slid against the ribs 548 until the cam surface444 becomes in contact with the ribs 548. When the anchor 400 is lockedto the rack 500, the user can position the box 612 by the anchor 400(this step could also be done before locking the anchor 400 to the rack500). The user connects an end of the bungee cord 610 to the aperture450 of the anchor 400, wraps the bungee cord 610 around the box 612 andattaches the other end of the bungee cord 610 to the rack 500 or toanother anchor 400 (previously or not) secured onto the rack 500.

To detach the box 612 from the rack 500, the user releases the bungeecord 610 from the aperture 450 of the anchor 400, and removes the box610 from the rack 500. If the user desires further to unsecure theanchor 400 from the rack 500, the user moves the lever 414 by aquarter-turn clockwise, thereby moving the cams 442 back to the positionwhere they are aligned with the middle flange 434 (cams 442 in the firstposition). The user can then remove the anchor 400 from the rackaperture 550. The user can reuse the anchor 400 again at a later timefor a same or a different application.

In an alternative embodiment where the anchor 400 does not have thelever 414 and the latch 404 connected to move with the case 402, theuser could secure the anchor 400 to the rack 500 by inserting the anchor400 into the rack aperture 550. The user would then turn the anchor 400so as to have the middle flange 434 and the cams 442 (now forming alower flange) bracing the brims of the aperture 550. To detach theanchor 400 from the rack 500, the user could turn the anchor 400 back toa position where the flanges 434, 442 of the anchor 400 are aligned withthe aperture 550, and remove the anchor 400 from the rack aperture 550.

Instead of or in addition of using the bungee cord 610, the user can usethe vertical wall 452 as an abutment surface to the box 612, similarlyto what has been described above with respect to FIG. 5. The user canselect one of the rack apertures 550 and position the anchor 400 in theselected rack aperture 550 in such a way that the box 612 will have itsmotion constrained at least by the abutment wall.

In a second example, the user can use the anchor 400 for securing theholder 600 to the rack 500. To do so, the user grabs two anchors 400 andthe holder 600, and selects two of the rack apertures 550 that arelocated at positions that allow to place the holder 600 where desired.The user first places the holder 600 on the top face of the rack 500, sothat the apertures 603 and 550 are disposed one on top of the other in away to allow insertion of the anchor 400 through the apertures 603 and550. It is contemplated that the apertures 603 and 550 could be alignedor could be disposed at a slight angle with respect to each other, aslong as the contour of the rack aperture 550 is contained within thecontour of the aperture 603, so as to allow insertion of the anchor 400.The user then inserts the anchors 400, being in the unlocked position,into the apertures 603, 550.

In the case where the anchor 400 has the upper part 435′ of the middleflange 434 having the slots 433, the user first inserts the anchor 400into the aperture 603 before positioning the holder 600 onto the rack500. The user rotates the anchor 400 relative to the holder 600, so asto brace the aperture 603 in the slots 433 (shown in FIG. 11 with arrows419) with portions of the upper flange 432 and portions of the lowerpart 436 of the middle flange 434, as described above. The user thendisposes the anchor 400, which is connected by friction fit to theholder 600, into the rack aperture 550. Because the anchor 400 has beenrotated with respect to the holder 600, when disposed into the rackaperture 550, the contour of the rack aperture 550 is no longercontained within the contour of the aperture 603. It is contemplatedthat, the contour of the rack aperture 550 could be contained within thecontour of the aperture 603 when the anchor 400 secured to the holder600 and the rack 550. It is also contemplated that the aperture 603could be disposed at an angle in the abutment tab 602 so as tocompensate for the slots 433 and so that when disposed into the rackaperture 550, the contour of the rack aperture 550 would be contained inthe contour of the aperture 603.

When the anchor 400 is in the rack aperture 550, the middle flange 434abuts against the upper brim 553 of the rack aperture 550 and the upperflange 432 abuts against the upper brim 605 of the aperture 603. Tosecure the holder 600 to the rack 500, the user locks the anchors 400 tothe rack 500 one after the other, in a manner similar to the onedescribed above, by moving the lever 414 so as to engage the pair ofcams 442 with the rack 500. When the cams 442 are rotated andperpendicular to the middle flange 434, the anchor 400 also secures theholder 600 to the rack 500. The user can then fill the holder 600 withitems. It is contemplated that the user could fill the holder 600 withitems before securing the holder 600 to the rack 500. It is alsocontemplated that the user could use the bungee cord 610 to furthersecure the holder 600 or the items it transports onto the rack 500.

It is contemplated that, the user could also secure two holders 600 (asan example of two accessories) with a same anchor 400 to secure theholders 600 together disposed side-by-side in cases where the shapes ofthe upper part 435 of the middle flange 434 and the apertures 603 of theholders 600 would allow it (e.g. the upper part 435 is irregular and theapertures 603 of each holder 600 are oriented differently, or e.g. theupper part 435 and the apertures 603 of each holder 600 have a sameregular shape). The user would dispose one abutment tab 602 so as toalign the apertures 603 of each abutment tab 602 of each holder 600, andinsert the anchor 400 into the accessory apertures 603 and the aperture550 of the rack 500. The user would proceed as described above to securethe two holders 600 to the rack 500. Using two other anchors 400, theuser would then secure the other abutment tabs 602 of each holder 600 tothe rack 500, conveniently with two other rack apertures 550.

Also, a same anchor 400 could be used to secure partially an accessoryand an item. For example, one anchor 400 could be used to secure oneside of the holder 600. That same anchor 400 could also be used as ahooking point for the bungee cord 610 to retain the box 612 to the rack500, the box 612 having been priory disposed adjacent to the holder 600.Another anchor 400 could be used to secure another side of the holder600 for further securing the holder 600 to the rack 500, and yet anotheranchor 400 could be used to secure another end of the bungee cord 610 tothe rack 500.

To unlock each anchor 400, the user moves the lever 414 back so as toorient the cams 442 in the same direction as the middle flange 434, in amanner similar to the one described above. The user then removes theanchor 400 from the rack 500 and the holder 600. By removing the anchor400 from the rack 500, the user also removes the anchor 400 from theholder 600. In the case where the anchor 400 has the upper part 435′having the slots 433, the user performs the additional step of rotatingthe anchor 400 relative to the holder 600 (opposite to the directionshown by arrows 419 in FIG. 11) for disconnecting the anchor 400 fromthe holder 600. The user can then use each of them at a later time for asame or a different application.

Modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiment of thepresent invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art. Theforegoing description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting.The scope of the present invention is therefore intended to be limitedsolely by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An anchor comprising: a first flange; a secondflange; a third flange, the second flange being disposed between thefirst flange and the third flange, a surface of the first flange facingthe second flange defining a plane, a contour of the first flangeprojected onto the plane extending beyond a contour of the second flangeprojected onto the plane; a base connecting part, the base connectingpart including the third flange and the second flange; and an accessoryconnecting part operatively connected to the base connecting part, theaccessory connecting part including the first flange, the third flangebeing movable relative to at least one of the first and second flangesbetween a first position and a second position, when in the firstposition, a contour of the third flange projected onto the plane iscontained within the contour of the second flange projected onto theplane, and when in the second position, the contour of the third flangeprojected onto the plane extends beyond the contour of the second flangeprojected onto the plane.
 2. The anchor of claim 1, further comprisingat least one connector.
 3. The anchor of claim 1, wherein: the thirdflange has a longitudinal axis; the second flange has a longitudinalaxis; and when projected onto the plane: in the first position, thelongitudinal axis of the third flange and the longitudinal axis of thesecond flange are at a first angle relative to each other, in the secondposition, the longitudinal axis of the third flange and the longitudinalaxis of the second flange are at a second angle relative to each other,and the second angle is different from the first angle.
 4. The anchor ofclaim 3, wherein the first angle is 0 degrees and the second angle is 90degrees.
 5. The anchor of claim 1, further comprising a recess disposedbetween the first flange and the second flange, and a seal disposed inthe recess.
 6. The anchor of claim 1, further comprising a leverconnected to the third flange for moving the third flange between thefirst position and the second position.
 7. The anchor of claim 1,further comprising a pair of tabs extending from the second flangetoward the third flange, a contour of the pair of tabs projected ontothe plane being contained within the contour of the second flangeprojected onto the plane.
 8. The anchor of claim 1, wherein the secondflange includes a chamfer.
 9. The anchor of claim 1, wherein the contourof the third flange projected onto the plane has a first shape, thesecond flange has a first part and a second part, the first part of thesecond flange is disposed between the first flange and the second partof the second flange, a contour of the second part of the second flangeprojected onto the plane has the first shape, and a contour of the firstpart of the second flange projected onto the plane has a second shape.10. The anchor of claim 9, wherein the first shape and the second shapeare a same shape.
 11. The anchor of claim 9, wherein the first andsecond shapes are irregular polygons.
 12. The anchor of claim 11,wherein the first and second shapes are irregular hexagons.
 13. Theanchor of claim 9, wherein the first shape is an irregular hexagon andthe second shape is an irregular pentagon.
 14. The assembly of claim 9,wherein at least a portion of the first part of the second flange has aslot.
 15. The anchor of claim 1, wherein the at least one connectorincludes an aperture.
 16. The anchor of claim 1, further comprising: acase; a latch operatively connected to the case, the latch comprisingthe third flange; and a lever connected to the latch for moving thethird flange between the first position and the second position.
 17. Theanchor of claim 15, further comprising a biasing mechanism biasing thethird flange toward the second part of the second flange.
 18. The anchorof claim 15, wherein: the third flange includes a pair of cams; and eachof the pair of cams has a ramp surface.
 19. The anchor of claim 1,further comprising a flat side, the first flange being disposed betweenthe flat side and the second flange.
 20. The anchor of claim 15, whereinthe case comprises a first cavity and the latch has a longitudinalextending bore; and further comprising a stem for retaining the latch tothe case, the stem having a T-top, the stem extending through thelongitudinal extending bore of the latch, the T-top of the stem beingdisposed in the first cavity, an under surface of the T-top of the stembeing connected to a top of the latch by a C-clip.
 21. The anchor ofclaim 20, wherein: the case comprises a second cavity; the second cavityis connected to the second cavity; and the second cavity receivespartially the lever.